An Army medic based at Colchester Garrison has won two awards for sporting excellence within a week.
Private Kimberley Preston, a combat medical technician with 16 Medical Regiment, won female sports personality of the year at the 2014 Sport Colchester Awards.
Pte Preston, 21, was also named as runner-up in the rising star category at the Army Sports Awards.
The soldier, who competes for the Army in triathlon, swimming and cycling, has had a successful year including a personal best at the London Triathlon in the Olympic distance category with a time of 2hr 5min.
She also won the 400m freestyle and the 4 x 50m relay at the inter-services swimming championship, and came fourth in the cycling road race.
Pte Preston, who has been in the Army for 18 months, said: “I’m very proud to be recognised, both by the Army and locally in Colchester.
“It’s great to be able to balance being both an athlete and a soldier, because I get time off to train and race but when I’m at work I get treated no differently to any other soldier.
“For me it’s as important for the regiment to be recognised because of the support I am given.”
Next season Pte Preston, from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, hopes to break into the British team and compete on the European circuit.
Lieutenant Colonel Philip McNee, Commanding Officer of 16 Med Regt, said: “We are immensely proud of Private Preston and her achievements deserve the recognition they have received.
“The commitment she displays to her sport, achieved at no detriment to her role as a combat medical technician, is an example to all soldiers of what they can achieve as individuals.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here